12 Patterns of Denial in Addiction – Are You in Denial?
To recover from addiction, it is incredibly important to be able to identify denial. The 12 patterns of denial were developed by international addiction expert Terence Gorski to do just that. Read more about the 12 patterns of denial below: Denial & Avoidance Absolute Denial Denial & Minimising Denial & Rationalising Denial & Blaming Denial & Comparing Denial […]
Codependency And Families Facing Addiction
Codependency on a loved one addicted to alcohol or other drugs can be a deadly affair. By definition, codependency is an unhealthily close relationship where one person plays one of these six enabling roles that allow another’s addictive behaviour to continue. The enabler is convinced that they are doing the right and caring thing by […]
Drug Use and Pregnancy: What Happens to Babies Exposed to Cocaine?
Using cocaine during pregnancy can have serious, and even fatal, consequences for babies. It may be very difficult for pregnant women who are addicted to cocaine to read this post but it is intended to educate, not to judge. We urge you to seek rehab treatment sooner rather than later for the best outcomes for […]
What Happens to Babies Exposed to Benzodiazepines?
Using benzodiazepines, commonly known as tranquilisers, during pregnancy can have serious consequences for infants. It may be very difficult for pregnant women who are addicted to benzodiazepines to read this post but it is intended to educate, not to judge. We urge you to seek treatment sooner rather than later for the best outcomes for […]
What Happens to Babies Exposed To Alcohol?
Using alcohol during pregnancy can have serious, and even fatal, consequences for babies. It may be challenging for pregnant women who are addicted to alcohol to read this post but it is intended to educate, not to judge. We urge you to seek treatment sooner rather than later for the best outcomes for you and […]
Weed in South Africa: Legal Status and Addiction Risks
Weed in South Africa is decriminalised for private adult use. Selling and public smoking are still criminal offences under the Cannabis for Private Purposes Act, 2024. Cannabis is also the substance most often listed at admission in local rehab facilities. The facts below cover what counts as legal, how the market works on the ground […]
What’s the Link Between Addiction and Cluster B Personality Disorders?
We’ve looked at the link between addiction and personality disorders more generally but now it’s time to get specific and look at each disorder in detail, and more specifically, Cluster B personality disorders. Personality disorders are grouped into three clusters. Read on for an in-depth look at the science behind the link between Cluster B […]
What’s the Link Between Addiction and Cluster A Personality Disorders?
The link between addiction and personality disorders more generally but now it’s time to get specific, read on for an in-depth look at the science behind the link between Cluster A personality disorders and substance abuse problems. A personality disorder is a mental health condition that affects the way a person thinks, feels and behaves […]
Mental Health Awareness Month in South Africa
Dual Diagnosis: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses During mental health awareness month, we educate professionals and the public alike with a specific focus on addiction as a brain disease and how it often occurs alongside other mental health problems like major depression, ADHD and bipolar mood disorder. This phenomenon is termed dual diagnosis. About 40% […]
What’s the Link Between Addiction and Personality Disorders?
Personality disorders: There is a lot of baggage, and many myths, that come with this phrase. But one irrefutable truth is that there is a strong link between addiction and personality disorders. Read on for an in-depth look at the science behind this link. Having a personality disorder is often confusing and scary for both […]